Knowledge collaboration in the ego-centered networks of professionals : the role of reciprocity, interpersonal trust, and transactive memory system : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Knowledge Management at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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2014
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Massey University
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Abstract
Prior research has shown that professionals maintain a network of contacts in
their relevant professions and knowledge domains for information and knowledge
collaboration. Where these networks are built around individuals and are informal in
nature rather than arranged by organisations, they can be considered examples of egocentered
(personal) knowledge networks (EGKNs). The role of informal networks (or
EGKNs) of professionals is very important in knowledge-intensive sectors, where the
access to relevant information and the ability to coordinate and combine expertise from
diverse sources can make substantial difference to the performance of individuals and
organisations. Research in knowledge management (KM) has yet to fully grasp the role
of informal networks in individual learning and organisational performance. This thesis
highlights the importance of EGKNs of professionals and investigates the process of
knowledge coordination and collaboration through EGKNs, in the absence of formal
structures and organisational mechanisms.
Based on theories of social exchange, social capital, and transactive memory
systems (TMS), a model is proposed to explain how informal knowledge cooperation
develops in the EGKNs of professionals. A large-scale survey of professionals in New
Zealand was carried out to empirically validate the model. Structural equation
modelling (SEM) is the main statistical technique for testing the model and hypotheses
associated with the model. The results indicate that EGKNs are structured by TMS that
help to develop information and knowledge collaboration among socially connected
individuals. This structure is based on network members’ understanding of the
knowledge held by other members and the transactive processes to coordinate and
integrate knowledge of network members.
This study contributes to theory building in the area of social (informal)
networks, KM, and TMS. A key contribution of this research is to offer a robust model
to explain how informal knowledge collaboration is developed among socially
connected individuals. The study provides a novel perspective by identifying the
development of TMS in the EGKNs of professionals, where task interdependence and
goal congruence cannot be assumed to exist. In addition, this study links social
exchange theory and the relational dimension of social capital with TMS to explain the
process of informal knowledge collaboration among socially connected individuals.
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Keywords
Knowledge management, Social aspects, Social capital, Ego-centred networks, Social exchange, Social capital, Transactive memory systems, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Business and economics::Business studies